Ah Four, Ah Three, Ah Two Ah One for the . . . : THUMB : It May Not Make MTV, but Sockers Celebrate Title Early

Maybe Steven Spielberg should have directed this video. After all, he directed “E.T.,” and these guys can be a rather extra-terrestrial bunch.

When one of the directors of “One For The Thumb” video told the Sockers to “be themselves,” he had no idea what he was getting himself into.

This club would be loose in the final game of a playoff series. Did the director really think a red light on the camera was going to intimidate the Sockers for long?

Taping their version of the Chicago Bears’ “Super Bowl Shuffle,” the Sockers went Hollywood in an empty San Diego Sports Arena Monday.

Defender Kevin Crow wore cool shades and a yellow headband that said “F. Dale,” making him a Major Indoor Soccer League version of Chicago Bear quarterback Jim McMahon.

Francis Dale is the commissioner of the Major Indoor Soccer League. McMahon donned a headband emblazoned with “Rozelle” (for Pete Rozelle, National Football League commissioner) during the NFL playoffs.

Other fashion notes Monday included Socker Coach Ron Newman, who wore a black tuxedo and a stunning blue bow tie. Dr. Coker--alias midfielder Ade Coker--wore a white doctor’s coat and stethoscope in his starring role in the opening scene.

As for the video:

The Sockers’ sign, used in pregame introductions, flashes and the dry ice creates a smoke-like impression.

“All you sports fans don’t be glum, we’ve got the team that’s number one.

If you’re down and feeling blue, ask Dr. Coker what to do.”

Coker strolls onto center stage, holding a bunch of Socker tickets.

“Take two tonight and call me in the morning, ‘cuz you’ll want more, it’s habit forming.”

Coker is met by two groups of teammates. The entire team boogies as they belt it out.

“We’re the Sockers, gold and blue, world championships are nothing new

We’ve won one, two, three And four, but we’re not done, we want some more

Four rings to show that we’re the best, room for one more is all that’s left

So come and join us in the fun, we’re gonna get one for the thumb

Many of the San Diego players probably don’t know it, but they did not coin the phrase “One for the Thumb.” That was done by the four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers after their win in the 1980 Super Bowl.

The Sockers won their titles in 1981-82 (NASL), ‘82-83 (MISL), ‘83-84 (NASL) and ‘84-85 (MISL).

The lyrics and vocals for “One for the Thumb,” set to be released locally, were written by Eric Jensen, Tim Ryland and Jim Morlino. They say it took four hours and about two cases of beer to write the lyrics for this three-minute video. Socker radio broadcaster Randy Hahn pitched in on the vocals and direction.

Direction? On second thought, this is one job Spielberg probably would have given to his assistants.

By what seemed like “Take 50” of the first scene, the Sockers were finally clapping, kicking and moving their lips in unison to the sound track, which was taped at a studio last week.

It took a while for the players to get all their thumbs up in the air at the same time and they had a heck of a time coordinating the movement of their heads and necks. Only Cha Cha Namdar was a natural.

San Diego players are nimble with their feet when it comes to touch passes, but forming a chorus line is another story. Rhythm is watching a Brian Quinn right-footer, not a Quinn two-step.

After the taping of the finale, the stars had their moments of glory. In addition to Coker, Juli Veee, Branko Segota, Newman and Jean Willrich had solo speaking parts.

“Folks come and go, but never fear, captain Willrich is still here

The other players look to Jean to orchestrate this symphony.”

With the players bouncing balls off their heads and feet, Willrich conducts them with his right leg.

“The scoring always goes so sweet when I conduct them with my feet.”

He pauses for dramatic effect, watches his teammates put on an impressive ball-handling exhibition and turns to face the camera.

Repeating his favorite phrase, Willrich says: ‘Unbelievable.”

That sums it up.